Meet Heather Prete

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Prete.

Heather, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I actually began practicing mindfulness over 25 years ago simply because I needed it to transform my own suffering! My journey began in college, studying different mystic traditions, looking for a way to keep my empathetic heart open while caring for my chronic anxiety and occasional depression as well as a feeling of low level confusion about how all of this “human” stuff was supposed to pan out!

I then discovered a book by Thich Nhat Hahn on mindfulness and I knew that was what I was searching for…. It was like I had found my hearts language right there, being spoken by a 60-year-old Vietnamese monk! I remember the EXACT moment, staring at the words on the page and thinking, “This is it, I’m home.”

I have been practicing and training ever since with TNH and many other wonderful Buddhist masters and Secular teachers and became a teacher through Buddhist lineage. Later, after returning to the states, I went through a training at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) Certification program. I now teach both Buddha Dharma and UCLA MARC’s courses in secular mindfulness and evidence-based practices of the heart.

I am so grateful that something so close to my heart has become my world… I get to share Mindfulness with others every day and help guide them to transform their own difficulties… It’s incredible! The business really developed on its own. At first, I was teaching one class a week, and things simply began expanding from classes to a large private client base to retreats all over the world! I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else…

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a smooth road in many ways, but personally we always have a learning curve! Mainly I had to really balance my energy as things began to grow.

I also found a home base, The DEN Meditation. That was a game changer. Tal, (the owner and creator) has become an incredibly close friend and colleague. I teach EVERYTHING there, including my UCLA MAPS classes and private classes.

Having a home and support around the nuts and bolts is really everything to me. If you told me I would have my own business ten years ago I would have said that was ridiculous. However, we find our strengths as we are challenged. I am clear on what flows from me with joy and ease…and what does not! I allocate what isn’t natural so that I can continue to cultivate what I have to give…. That for me is key.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I think what stands out is that my teachings are easy to access and practical as well as steeped in very ancient, poignant practice. I focus on mindfulness, self-acceptance, and compassion for the self… To have the ability to interweave these applications into a time of “getting away” is invaluable… people often call it life-changing!

My favorite practice to teach is Self Compassion. It is my greatest joy to see people change through noticing that insistent inner critic, and replacing it with kindness and love… It is really revolutionary. I always say the testimony to the teaching is the transformations in the students and clients. I want to emphasize that my job is to teach, provide tools and guidance, and share my experiential knowledge. The individual learns to transform their own difficulties and be their own true guide. It is truly empowering to be able to choose thoughts that lead to wellbeing and discard the rest. It’s our birthright.

I also host self-care mindfulness focused retreats and our next one is being held in Greece, which I’m very excited to share for my 4th year in a row! There are many wellness retreats out there, but they’re not all run by long-term teachers that really incorporate the science and practice of self-care. I think the balance of my wellness retreats is really special in that way… You learn how to practice daily life and savor the beauty that’s here as well as care for the difficulties that you brought with you. There’s something very special about spending time with others with the same intention to learn the art of relaxation, healing, and joy!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I’ve said this many times, but it’s the only answer I can really give… To me, success is seen through the healing and transformation of my clients my students. That is really the only way to measure how effectively you’re passing down teachings…

Seeing students becoming kind and compassionate to themselves, finding joy, and working with difficulties in skillful ways is what drives me. I am so lucky because I get to see the best in people every day as they work towards living through their inner goodness… to become happier!

Pricing:

• Private Sessions $165
• Corporate Events/Workshops (prices vary)
• Retreats (prices vary) Greece Retreat October 19th – 26th as low as $2000 all inclusive

Contact Info:

• Website: heatherpretemindfulness.com
• Email: heatherpreteassistant@gmail.com
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heather-prete-los-angeles
• Other: https://www.wellandgood.com/good-travel/silent-retreat-benefits/

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